Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba, family Ginkgoaceae. Part discussed: Leaf.
Identity
- Common name
- Ginkgo
- Botanical name
- Ginkgo biloba
- Family
- Ginkgoaceae
- Part or material
- Leaf
- Classification
- Botanical
- Educational category
- Traditional Botanical Knowledge
About
Ginkgo biloba L., Ginkgoaceae, leaf.
Forms and distinctions
Leaf, powdered or as acetone dry extract, and leaf extract, only. Fresh seed is a distinct, toxic material and is explicitly excluded.
Safety considerations
Headache is very common in the dementia-related use; bleeding of the eye, nose, brain and gut has been reported; patients with a bleeding tendency or using blood-thinning medicines should use the dry extract only after consulting a doctor; gastrointestinal disorders, headaches and allergic reactions are reported for the circulation-related use. Fresh ginkgo seeds are toxic when consumed orally and serious side effects have occurred with roasted seeds or crude plant material; ginkgo may increase bleeding risk with anticoagulants such as warfarin; it may be unsafe during pregnancy through early labor or extra bleeding near delivery; little is known about breastfeeding safety.
References
- EMA HMPC Ginkgo folium · European Medicines Agency, herbal medicine monograph
- NCCIH Ginkgo · US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
This entry is educational. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not a statement about any Pam Oh Herbs Collection or its contents. It carries no dosage and no claim of effect.